Drone-Based Localization of Hazardous Chemicals by Passive Smart Dust.

The distribution of tiny sensors over a specific area was first proposed in the late 1990s as a concept known as smart dust. Several efforts focused primarily on computing and networking capabilities, but quickly ran into problems related to power supply, cost, data transmission, and environmental pollution. To overcome these limitations, we propose using paper-based (confetti-like) chemosensors that exploit the inherent selectivity of chemical reagents, such as colorimetric indicators.

A generic approach to developing human factors-quality assessment tools exemplified by the warehouse error prevention tool.

This study proposes a generic approach for creating human factors-based assessment tools to enhance operational system quality by reducing errors. The approach was driven by experiences and lessons learned in creating the warehouse error prevention (WEP) tool and other system engineering tools. The generic approach consists of 1) identifying tool objectives, 2) identifying system failure modes, 3) specifying design-related quality risk factors for each failure mode, 4) designing the tool, 5) conducting user evaluations, and 6) validating the tool.

A new roadmap for an age-inclusive workforce management practice and an international policies comparison.

Background: Worldwide, the worker population age is growing at an increasing rate. Consequently, government institutions and companies are being tasked to find new ways to address age-related workforce management challenges and opportunities. The development of age-friendly working environments to enhance ageing workforce inclusion and diversity has become a current management and national policy imperative.

Computer simulation as a macroergonomic approach to assessing nurse workload and biomechanics related to COVID-19 patient care.

This study uses Digital Human Modelling (DHM) and Discrete Event Simulation (DES) to examine how caring for COVID-19-positive (C+) patients affects nurses' workload and care-quality. DHM inputs include: nurse anthropometrics, task postures, and hand forces. DES inputs include: unit-layout, patient care data, COVID-19 status & impact on tasks, and task execution-logic.

Is there a u-shaped relationship between load levels and fatigue and recovery? An examination of possible mechanisms.

In a previous study, an unexpected u-shaped relationship was observed between load level and fatigue/recovery responses. Moderate load levels resulted in lower perceived discomfort, pain, and fatigue, and shorter recovery times compared to either low or high load levels. This phenomenon has been reported in other studies, but no article has examined the possible mechanisms that might explain this u-shaped relationship.

Examining human factors and ergonomics aspects in a manufacturing organisation's metrics system: measuring up to stakeholder needs.

This research examines the status of human factors and ergonomics (HF/E) metrics in the case context of product realisation in an electronics manufacturing company. Interactions with 100+ stakeholders over a five year period were thematically analysed for metrics-related views and content. A disconnect between engineering metrics and HF/E metrics was evident.

Modelling the impacts of COVID-19 on nurse workload and quality of care using process simulation.

Higher acuity levels in COVID-19 patients and increased infection prevention and control routines have increased the work demands on nurses. To understand and quantify these changes, discrete event simulation (DES) was used to quantify the effects of varying the number of COVID-19 patient assignments on nurse workload and quality of care. Model testing was based on the usual nurse-patient ratio of 1:5 while varying the number of COVID-19 positive patients from 0 to 5.

Examining the relationship between human factors related quality risk factors and work related musculoskeletal disorder risk factors in manufacturing.

This study addresses the relationship between human factors (HF) related quality deficits in manufacturing and work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risk factors in production staff. A recent systematic review identified 60 HF-related quality risk factors (QRFs) in manufacturing related to product, process and workstation design stages. We investigate the extent to which these identified QRFs are also WMSD risk factors.

Applying ergonomics and human factors to congress organization in uncertain times.

Organizational Design and Management (ODAM) elements of Ergonomics and Human Factors (E/HF) apply to congress organization. Exemplary delegate and organizer E/HF experience is constrained by shifting requirements, time pressures and financial constraints. E/HF application while organizing the International Ergonomics Association's Triennial Congress in 2021 (IEA2021) is described focusing on delivery platforms considering typical and exceptional (pandemic) constraints, emphasizing ODAM E/HF principles and generalizable lessons.

Developing a simulation tool to quantify biomechanical load and quality of care in nursing.

Nursing is a high musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk job with high workload demands. This study combines Digital Human Modelling (DHM) and Discrete Event Simulation (DES) to address the need for tools to better manage MSD risk. This novel approach quantifies physical-workload, work-performance, and quality-of-care, in response to varying geographical patient-bed assignments, patient-acuity levels, and nurse-patient ratios.

An inter-method comparison of four Human Reliability Assessment models.

This paper presents a comparison of four common Human Reliability Assessment (HRA) models through a scoping literature review and sensitivity analysis. The scoping literature review identified 72 relevant studies which formed the basis of the comparison. Studies reported the four selected models have similarities in terms of the sector of origin, applied sectors, output calculation, and a lack of clear guidelines on Performance Influencing Factors (PIFs) selection and risk level allocation.

A comparison of work-rest models using a "breakpoint" analysis raises questions.

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSDesigning sustainable cyclic work requires attention to both the workload amplitude as well as the duty cycle, the fraction of the work cycle with active workload, that therefore also defines the recovery phase of the cycle. A number of different approaches and models have been developed to calculate the required recovery time for a given load and duty cycle. We present a comparison of three types of models at the "breakpoint" that defines the boundary of load amplitude and duty cycle where fatigue begins to accumulate faster than recovery allows within the work cycle.

Combined Dendritic and Axonal Deterioration Are Responsible for Motoneuronopathy in Patient-Derived Neuronal Cell Models of Chorea-Acanthocytosis.

Chorea acanthocytosis (ChAc), an ultra-rare devastating neurodegenerative disease, is caused by mutations in the gene, which encodes for the protein chorein. Affected patients suffer from chorea, orofacial dyskinesia, epilepsy, parkinsonism as well as peripheral neuropathy. Although medium spinal neurons of the striatum are mainly affected, other regions are impaired as well over the course of the disease.

Using system dynamics modelling to show the effect of nurse workload on nurses' health and quality of care.

The objective of the current study is to explore System Dynamics modelling to quantify and understand the effects of nursing workload on nurse burnout, absenteeism, and quality of patient care. A literature search was performed to identify the causal relationships between factors related to the problem and build a conceptual causal loop diagram. Each of these factors was then operationalised and a simulation model was built using quantitative empirical data from the literature, supplemented with expert input.

Assessing human factors and ergonomics capability in organisations - the Human Factors Integration Toolset.

This paper presents the development of a tool that allows an organisation to assess its level of human factors (HF) and ergonomics integration and maturity within the organisation. The Human Factors Integration Toolset (available at: https://www.researchgate.

Esterification over Acid-Treated Mesoporous Carbon Derived from Petroleum Coke.

Multistep activation of a Canadian oilsands petroleum coke that yields an acidified mesoporous carbon catalyst is reported. Microporous-activated carbon (APC; ∼2000 m/g), obtained by thermochemical activation of petroleum coke using KOH, was impregnated with ammonium heptamolybdate and activated by carbothermal hydrogen reduction (CHR). The resulting MoC, supported on high-mesopore volume ( ∼0.

Examining the fatigue-quality relationship in manufacturing.

A recent systematic review identified 73 empirical studies that linked human factors (HF) with manufacturing quality. Human fatigue was noted as a frequent (n = 26) issue in the HF-quality relationship - a finding that warrants closer examination. We extend this review by investigating the relationship between fatigue and manufacturing quality by identifying how fatigue has been conceptualized and measured, and we attempted to quantify their relationship.

Predicting the effect of nurse-patient ratio on nurse workload and care quality using discrete event simulation.

Aim: A novel nurse-focused discrete event simulation modelling approach was tested to predict nurse workload and care quality.

Background: It can be challenging for hospital managers to quantify the impact of changing operational policy and technical design such as nurse-patient ratios on nurse workload and care quality. Planning tools are needed-discrete event simulation is a potential solution.

Hazards from failure of CNG automotive cylinders in fire.

Compressed natural gas (CNG) is a widely used automotive fuel in a variety of countries. In case of a vehicle fire where the safety device also malfunctions, a failure of the CNG automotive cylinder could occur. Such a cylinder failure is associated with severe hazards for the surrounding environment.

Production quality and human factors engineering: A systematic review and theoretical framework.

The purpose of this paper is to systematically examine available empirical evidence on the impact of human factors (HF) in the design and management of manufacturing operations on system quality performance. A systematic review was conducted to map the linkages between the human-system fit in the design of operations systems (OS) with production quality. A total of 73 empirical studies were identified linking HF to OS performance in manufacturing.

Modelling endurance and resumption times for repetitive one-hand pushing.

This study's objective was to develop models of endurance time (ET), as a function of load level (LL), and of resumption time (RT) after loading as a function of both LL and loading time (LT) for repeated loadings. Ten male participants with experience in construction work each performed 15 different one-handed repetaed pushing tasks at shoulder height with varied exerted force and duration. These data were used to create regression models predicting ET and RT.

Integrating ergonomics knowledge into business-driven design projects: The shaping of resource constraints in engineering consultancy.

Background: The integration of ergonomics knowledge into engineering projects leads to both healthier and more efficient workplaces. There is a lack of knowledge about integrating ergonomic knowledge into the design practice in engineering consultancies.

Objectives: This study explores how organizational resources can pose constraints for the integration of ergonomics knowledge into engineering design projects in a business-driven setting, and how ergonomists cope with these resource constraints.

'Power base' tactics for workplace change - an interview study with industrial engineers and ergonomists.

The work activities of industrial engineers (IEs) and ergonomists drive workplace changes. The purpose of this study is to compare the work practices of the two professions and examine (1) how IEs and ergonomists gain influence over workplace changes and (2) whether there are prevailing types of intentional interaction behaviours called Power bases (PB) present in the interaction tactics they employ. The study identified key behavioural strategies used by the interviewees to successfully influence workplace changes; these were then mapped to their corresponding PB.